• A very light starter that looks even better when served in the shells

    Fried scallops with a red pepper, avocado and basil salsa served with a lemon mayonnaise

    Serves: 2
    Cooking Time: 30 mins

    Ingredients

    • 20ml (4 tsp) good-quality mayonnaise
    • 10ml (2 tsp) lemon zest
    • 5ml (1 tsp) fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ red pepper, finely diced
    • 10ml (2 tsp) spring onions, finely chopped
    • 5 basil leaves, thinly sliced
    • 15ml (1 tbsp) butter
    • 10ml (2 tsp) olive oil
    • 8 – 10 small scallops, in the shells
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • ½ avocado, thinly sliced

    Instructions

    1

    Combine the mayonnaise and 5ml (1 tsp) of the lemon zest. Mix in the lemon juice to taste.

    2

    Mix the red pepper, spring onion, basil and remaining lemon zest.

    3

    Heat the butter with the oil until hot. Remove the scallops from the shells and fry until golden and firm to the touch, about 10 – 15 minutes. Season lightly.

    4

    Divide the scallops between two clean shells. Top with the pepper salsa and place the avocado slices on the side. Serve with a dollop of the lemon mayonnaise.